FDR put election in proper perspective
“Today we are faced with the pre-eminent fact that, if civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships —the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together and work together in the same world, at peace.”
From an undelivered speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd president of the United States, written shortly before his death on April 12, 1945.
Dale M. Brown
Niskayuna
"Best qualified" not always best president
As newspapers across the country endorse one candidate over the other, a common theme expressed is that their favored candidate is “best qualified” to lead the country over the next four years. I am disturbed by this justification.
Earlier in our history, we elected another gentleman with a stellar resume. At age 23, he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and shortly thereafter won a seat in the U.S. House. He held this seat for 10 years, then moved over to the Senate, where he served for another 11 years.
During the next 24 years he became the minister to Russia, secretary of state, and ambassador to the United Kingdom.
In between, he declined a nomination to sit on the Supreme Court.
A very well-qualified candidate indeed. Yet James Buchanan, our 15th president, has consistently been ranked by historians as the worst president this country has produced — chiefly because of his failure to prevent or reverse the secessionist tide of the Southern states, thus leading directly to the Civil War.
His cause was certainly not helped by the lamentable “Dred Scott” decision handed down by the Supreme Court just a few days into his administration.
Caveat voter.
Ken Moore
Schenectady
The writer is the Strategic Management professor for SUNYAlbany.
Report pension fund issue with Cuomo
Recently one of the local TV channels featured a quick blurb about Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticizing Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for his management of the state’s retirement fund.
Your readership consists of many thousands of retired state employees, and such a story would be of great interest to them.
I have heard from other sources that the governor has been able to balance the budget for the past few years by failing to pay the state portion of its pension fund obligation. This is no small number.
If this is true, perhaps the governor is making a pre-emptive strike before the comptroller goes public with this info.
Tom DiNapoli may well be Cuomo’s opponent in the next election.
I, and a number of other retirees, would appreciate if The Gazette would dig into this matter.
Ed Culhane
Glenville
Glad to see Strock expressing opinions
I remember, several years ago, regularly reading columns written by Carl Strock. I frequently agreed with him and occasionally disagreed with his position on an issue. Either way,
I enjoyed reading whatever he presented.
Recently, I see, he cannot hold himself back from offering his knowledge on issues of his passion. We all benefit from his contributions.
Keep them coming, Carl.
Bonnie Jorgensen
Middleburgh
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Letters to the Editor Monday, March 27 - Two, from readers in Albany and Schenectady- Letters to the Editor Sunday, March 26 - Three, from readers in Schenectady and Burnt Hills
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Letter to the Editor: Set reasonable and safe speed limits
Categories: Letters to the Editor
